Everything is new for Kevin in 2013

As you probably know, Kevin switched from WSR to GP3 for this year. Omens are good as he also returned to the Koiranen team which took him to FR2.0 Eurocup title in 2010. Here's what he says himself.

Kevin during off-season as a
mechanic in his father's karting team.

What
are yourthoughts about the pre-season tests?

First test at Estoril was not that bad. Every
time I went out I ended up in Top 6. During the second test at Barcelona we
wanted to try different things and let’s say it was the toughest one. My places
were something like 2nd, 10th, 14th and 4th. Which in itself were better than
at the final test at Silverstone but I think the car was better during the
final test days. Saying that I had issues with the engine, I was always the
slowest through the speed-traps and my engine will be changed before the first
racing weekend.

Did you
experince any wet track driving during the tests?

Yes, we had three wet sessions and my
positions were 1st, 2nd and 4th. Our car seems to be pretty good when it rains
but a little bit more difficult on the dry track now. Last year it was exactly
the opposite.

Your new
team is based in Spain. Are you going to move there for the season?

First of all I have to graduate from the high
school. When this will be done then I will surely spend time at the team. It is
important to be together with the people and see how things are done.

And
what about the studies?

Everything is fine. Actually there is only a
couple of weeks left before the exams. I did chemistry exam two years ago
already, now there are four more.

In some
ways your situation is similar to that of 2010 when you won FR2.0 Eurocup.
Koiranen is the new team in the series, there is a new car, everybody has the
same starting level and your car is #28. How do you see that?

I asked the team myself if I can be #28, out
other cars are #26 and #27. But apart from that it is tougher this time. Tests
have shown we are not firmly in Top 3 yet. My team-mate Aaro Vainio was a title
contender last year up until to the final round, so he is obviously a quick
driver and our lap times have been pretty similar. Hopefully this inner-team
competition can drive us forward. But the new car... You know, last year
everybody had the same new car in WSR as well. You simply can’t compare it just
like that.

Is
driving for Koiranen like returning to home?

Basically yes. Some people have changed like
it always happens but I know the majority of them. There are two Estonian
mechanics among the 12-strong personnel so I can even speak Estonian. And Hagen
Pischel is my engineer again as he was in 2010.

What
are the main differences and similarities between GP3 and WSR cars?

Old WSR car was much faster than F3 but slower
than the new one. GP3 is equal to the old WSR car I drove in 2011. Compared to
the new WSR it has over 100 HP less power, there is no DRS and aero is not that
advanced. But, as GP3 is lighter it should be faster through slower turns, but
lose out under acceleration, in fast turns and on straights.

Tire
management is also new for you, previously you have had no need to conserve rubber
during the race.

Yeah, that hasn’t happened to me before. I
guess early races will certainly be rather exciting. Obviously you are going to
try and conserve the tires but if everybody around you is pushing you don’t
want to let them go or overtake you. It is going to be exciting, especially
during the final laps.

Which
teams and drivers seem to be the strongest?

Last year ART and Arden were the best but
Jenzer was the fastest at Barcelona tests and Manor have always been very
strong. Driver-wise, Tio Ellinas have figured in Top 3 every time and topped
the tables during the final test. Still it is not easy to judge as every test
has had different driver at P1. But apart from Ellinas, Carlos Sainz has also
been a consistent frontrunner.

Have
you set any targets for 2013?

To be honest it is difficult to set something.
Tests have been rather tough but at least we know our shortcomings and we are
trying to improve in those areas. Maybe after the first race meeting we will
know where we stand compared to the others. It is difficult to judge because we
have been driving at temperatuses from zero to +5 but the ambient temperature
during the first races at Barcelona will probably be in the region of +30. So
everything will change.